Why Change Wheel Offset? Most of us know that changing wheel offset changes the way your car handles. On a race car, we use different offsets to help tune the chassis to the track conditions. When you change wheel offsets, it changes the amount of weight that the tire puts to the ground. We suggest that you put your car on scales and record the weight differences when you change wheel offsets. This will allow you to make proper chassis changes at the track. For the most part on a dirt track car we use wheel offset to tighten the car and mainly in rear of the car. The standard offset is based on what the chassis guy calls out for that car, but that don't always mean that the car will not be tight. Here is what we think is a base setup for wheel offset.
RF 2"
Lf 2"
LR 2"
RR 3"
How to Measure Backspacing: It's important to have the proper backspace to ensure you have proper clearance inside your inner wheel well and fender. The backspace or offset is measured from the inside lip of the wheel to the inside of the flange mount. The smaller the number the closer the flange will be to the inside of the wheel. The smaller the number the more the tire sticks out from the hub, which changes the load on the tire. (pounds) We see 2 different ideas why people change the offset of the wheel. Okay it is 3 reason.
Reason# 1: Increases leverage by making the lever arm longer.
Reason#2 : Increase or decrease the wheel load.
Reason#3 : Someone told them or the guy pitted next to them is doing it.
back side of wheel
Understand that leverage and wheel load are not the same thing but opposite things, also adding a wheel spacer to the tire is not increase wheel load but increasing leverage only. Wheel spacers are also not the same as wheel offset and that is kind of a funny thing because they do move the tire to the same spot but don't make the same feel or maybe wheel load.
Torquing the Wheels: The average race wheel sees a tremendous amount of pressure and abuse in its short lifetime and with a few simple tips, it may mean the difference between winning and losing. We don’t think twice about torquing the heads or mains on a race engine but seldom do we see anyone doing the same with their wheels. Did you know if you use an impact wrench and just hammer the nuts on, there is a good chance you will end up warping the brake rotors the next time out? Just like the heads on your engine if all the bolts are not torqued the same, you run the chance of warping them when they get hot. Torque your wheels using a star pattern rather than just tightening them up in order. The same goes with the beadlocks. If you just crank the bolts down you run the risk the tire will not be centered on the wheel correctly. Take your time and use the star pattern.
Lug Nuts
Wheel Bolt Pattern Measurement: Bolt patterns are simply the measurement of an imaginary circle that lies across the center-line of the lugs. Whether you are looking to adapt or match a new set of wheels, we have a simple guide to help you estimate your bolt circle. No need to guess any longer!
